Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade To Lakers Buzz, NBA Insider Describes Bucks Locker Room Tension Spiking Ahead of Brutal Road Schedule

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn

Trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo have reportedly affected the Milwaukee Bucks' locker room. Since the offseason, there has been speculation that the two-time NBA MVP's stint in Milwaukee might soon come to an end.

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While no trade has gained traction, rumors about Antetokounmpo's future dominated the headlines early into the 2025-26 season. In an appearance on "NBA Today" on Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania said Milwaukee's dismal start has ignited the trade talks.

"Wins and losses, that's the nature of the business right now in Milwaukee," Charania said. "Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to play and compete for a second NBA championship. This is a Bucks team right now that's playing and competing for a back-end Play In Tournament slot. They're 10-15 right now."
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Charania doubled down on his report last week that Antetokounmpo's agent, Alex Saratsis, has engaged the Bucks front office in conversations about the nine-time All-Star's future. Per Charania, the rumors have affected the rest of the team. Milwaukee sits at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference and is just 2-8 in its last 10 games.

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"Conversations are active and open as of last week between Giannis' side, his agent Alex Saratsis, and the Milwaukee Bucks," Charania added. "And my understanding is that the locker room can also feel the tension at play here. And the harder dialogue that could occur how this team shapes up."
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Last week, there were rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo might be traded to the LA Lakers. The speculations were ignited as fans noticed the Bucks star's social media. Antetokounmpo deleted most of his content, and the remaining post on X was a birthday greeting to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, whom he once said he idolizes.

Fox32 Chicago's Lou Canellis said on Thursday's "670 The Score" that the Lakers and Luka Doncic have reportedly inquired about the Bucks star.

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"I can tell you that the Lakers inquired and Luka Doncic himself inquired, trying to see if the Lakers could work out a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks," Canellis said (Timestamp: 9:46). "Now remember, Giannis wants to leave because he wants to win."

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The Bucks are approaching a critical stretch, wherein six of their next nine games are on the road. Several reports have indicated that Antetokounmpo's decision will still be based on Milwaukee's ability to contend.

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Lakers could work

Should the LA Lakers swing for a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha said the team might have to part ways with several key players, including rising star Austin Reaves.

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"The ideal construction is probably Austin on a max contract plus the three picks," Buha said on "Lakers Lounge" on Thursday.

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To make salaries match, several other role players like Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht could be included in the package. Milwaukee, which will arguably be on a rebuild in the post-Antetokounmpo era, might also demand several draft picks.

Several reports said league sources have indicated that LA might have the most attractive package, which is headlined by Reaves.

Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo would give the Lakers a three-headed monster alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. For the Bucks, they could build around Reaves, whom pundits have predicted could be a future All-Star.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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